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So a big news came out of the world of physics recently: gravitational waves have been detected. The implications are massive in terms of how we view the fabric of spacetime (it's more like a pool of water than some stretchy 'fabric').
As a tribute, we're not going for the usual article, but a poetic ode. Something this beautiful demands it. |
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have detected gravitational waves. We did it!"
- David Reitze, Executive Director of LIGO (2016)
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LIGO has found waves without light,
In finding them Einstein was right; General laws of his were smart, Our Universe beats like a heart. Looking for two black holes to crash, In faith they searched for the backlash; Glory to those who played their part, Our Universe beats like a heart. Lasers at right angles were placed, In hopes the ripples could be traced; Great pebbles in the cosmic chart, Our Universe beats like a heart. |
L-shaped they lay across the ground;
In search of some strange chirping sound, Gigantic bodies torn apart, Our Universe beats like a heart. Leached from the death of distant stars, Implied by Hulse-Taylor’s pulsars; Gone are the doubts, we can impart: Our Universe beats like a heart. Light could not prove the paradigm, It can not pierce the start of time; Gravity can reveal the start, Our Universe beats like a heart. |
Ponder this
What are the implications of a wave-like theory of gravity? Consider its effect on spacetime, especially on static bodies such as the sun, which have their own effects on the same.
How does this effect our understanding of everyday physics (classical, Newtonian physics)? These waves do not register in our everyday life, of course, but they do give us alternative perspectives. Any guesses?
Discuss
The discovery of gravitational waves are amongst the last few of Einstein's predictions that are being proven. This far only a few of them have any applications in solving real world problems. But so was radioactivity in the 19th century, and without it we wouldn't have nuclear medicine and power.
How should society approach studies in pure science such as this? Our generation may see it as a waste (especially when there are so many problems in society already), but the next and following generations may look back at our daring wisdom with awe. This is certainly a dilemma, any thoughts?
Further readings
Tests of general relativity, at Wikipedia
Relativity tutorial on gravitational waves, from CalTech
"We've Detected Gravitational Waves, So What?", Ian O'Neill, Discovery News
